Pages

Thursday, January 14, 2010

City searching for census takers and enumerators

The city is looking for people who like long walks and want a job that counts.

Census takers collect data which is used to determine per capita grants from the Province, to provide statistical information for the planning of a variety of City services, to forecast school enrolments, and to determine new school requirements. Enumeration data is used to determine eligible electors for municipal and school board elections, to assist in the planning for general elections and by-elections, and to improve service for voters on Election Day.

“It’s critical information,” said Wanda Seatter, Returning Officer with The City’s election office. “It’s very important that we have the people to collect this information.”

Census takers and enumerators are needed to visit homes in an assigned area to gather important information about Calgary’s population. Assignments vary in size but are generally between 400 to 600 dwellings.

Census takers and enumerators set their own schedule to complete their assigned area and may be required to work in the evenings and on weekends when most people are at home. In general, the data collection should take about 3 weeks.

“Calgary is unique because we collect this data annually. It’s important for forecast population movement and City services uses,” said Seatter.

Applicants will be required to complete a short written assessment test that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

In order to apply to be a census taker or enumerator you must be:

18 years of age or over.

Able to walk in seasonable weather conditions.

Available to attend a 2 hour daytime training session in March.

Available to attend a ½ hour check-in and material review appointment in April.